http://www.henin-hardenne.be/bin/index.asp?lang=en AUSTRALIAN OPEN: Simply Irresistible Justine! 26/01/2006: Under a closed Rod Laver Arena, with the legendary tennis namesake himself viewing the women's semi-final, Justine defeated Maria Sharapova 4-6 6-1 6-4 in 2 hours, and 26 minutes. It was a match that showcased the incredible intensity, courage, guile, and prowess of the new royality of the women's game. Justine will play the winner of the Mauresmo/Clijsters on Saturday for the 2006 Australian Open trophy. On Australia's national holiday, and with special guest Rod Laver himself in the stands viewing this semi final match was one of the finest in recent years. It was the 4th meeting between these two elite players, and it was neither a rout, nor the decible induced parody critics may have assumed. The standard was extravagantly high from the first point with Maria Shapova showing her winning 2004 Wimbledon form. Justine was outplayed at times, as her own service game couldn't keep up toward the latter games in the first set. The rallies were flash, and guile from Justine, yet she fell behind. Sharapova took the first set 6-4 in 54 minutes. The following set featured Justine lifting her court craft, and serves. A very solid 89% winning first serves with aces. Maria was lured into many rallies that switched pace, speed, and directions; it resembled some of their previous clay court encounters. A bit tipsy on crucial points, dismal drop shots, and agony over a few bad line calls; Sharapova crumbles. The Russian based in America loses the 2nd set to a demanding Justine 6-1 in 37 minutes. Champions always regain their poise, and the third set brought fantastic points out for display once more to the packed Rod Laver Arena. The level of play rose higher as Justine put her foot on the pedal, and aimed for line after line. High risk tennis is what the Belgian pursued, and it finally exploded open the match at 4-2. Sharapova isn't known for her foot speed, but she out sprinted the 2004 Australian Open champion to battle off two games in a row, and the match. Justine's rallied to fight off more Sharapova serves to take the set 6-4 in 59 minutes. Final Score 4-6 6-1 6-4 in 2 hours and 26 minutes ALLEZ JUSTINE! --

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